The Idaho Board of Education took a big first step Thursday to broaden and clarify its policy on selling beer and wine on the campuses of state universities.

The board voted at a meeting in Pocatello to expand permission to allow alcohol service at all NCAA athletic events at specifically designated on-campus venues.

Minors could be allowed at these location with adult supervision.

There are five such venues at Boise State, including one in Taco Bell Arena (the Double R Ranch Club) and at the Stueckle Sky Center at Albertsons Stadium. Other BSU venues include the Allen Noble Hall of Fame Gallery, the Alumni and Friends Center as well as the Caven Williams Sports Complex.

Idaho State University has one such venue and two are designated at the University of Idaho.

And for the first time, the board signed off on allowing beer and wine at tailgating parties before athletic events.

But the board's alcohol policy amendment requires one more reading and vote, now scheduled for October.

That means it would be too late for this football season, but not for Boise State basketball.

A spokesman said the Board of Education is considering the policy change because it has been flooded with requests for individual waivers from state universities to be allowed to sell beer and wine at athletic events.

Universities would still be required to submit plans on a yearly basis.